Winter driving

Preparation can help make any trip safer and will help you deal with emergencies when they occur. Weather is a causal factor in many crashes, especially in the winter, but drivers can learn to be more prepared in less-than-favorable conditions.

                          RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WINTER DRIVING
Even if you’ve heard it before, it’s always good to be reminded of safe driving practices for winter conditions of any kind.

• Never run a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Maintain your tires in good condition for any road surface.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Slow Down to maximize your tire’s contact patch. Every movement takes longer to accomplish on snowy, icy, or wet roads.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on slippery, wet, or icy road surfaces.
• Increase Your Following Distance.
• Always LOOK and STEER where you want your vehicle to go.

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Watch weather reports before driving anywhere, and plan your route to optimize the roads traveled on.

•  Don't Drive  ! If the weather is so bad that walking in it is difficult, then driving will also be difficult.
• Dress for the weather.
• Have reliable communications like a cell phone, properly charged or with a charging cable available in case of a lengthy delay.
• If you become stuck or stranded, stay with your vehicle and call for assistance.
• Use a warning device or attach a brightly-colored cloth to your vehicle if stranded to signal for assistance.
• Carry a “Go Bag” – clothing, blankets, food, medication, warming devices.
• Conserve fuel if stranded by only running the engine for short periods to keep warm and dry.
• Use anything available to keep warm and dry, like floor mats or paper.
  

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